To evaluate technical feasibility, image quality and quantitative integrity of a free-breathing protocol following administration of blood pool contrast agent, utilizing 3-dimensional (3D) imaging of morphology, function, and flow without physician supervision in a cohort of patients with CHD.

All free-breathing 3D sequences were technically feasible in all 5 patients. Average time for performance of 5 free breathing 3D sequences was 29 minutes. Average score for first-pass MRA was 1.9/5. Average score for equilibrium MRA was 1.3/5. Clinical scores for 2D SSFP were consistently better than 3D-SSFP, but 3D SSFP images were adequate for recognition of pathology in all cases. Average percentage difference between 2D and 3D cine SSFP volumetric data were as follows: LVEDV (5.5%), LVSV (11.2%), LVEF (6%), RVEDV (-3.9%), RVSV (8%) and RVEF (9.1%). Comparative flow analysis between 2D PC and 4D PC data is pending.

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